​The Lakers unveiled what could be their starting lineup when the regular season starts next week ahead of their preseason finale on Friday night. And the first unit featured a surprising twist. The Lakers started Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler against the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Matisse Thybulle (26) could be in the starting lineup when the Lakers host the Warriors to kick off the regular season next week. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWalker Kessler #14 and Austin Reaves #15 were already known to be starters. NBAE via Getty ImagesDoncic, Reaves and Kessler – the Lakers’ “Big 3” and three-highest paid players – were already known to be confirmed starters before Friday. Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post OpinionCalifornia Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Williams, who returned to the lineup after missing the previous three exhibitions, was also expected to start.Thybulle’s inclusion over Quentin Grimes was the surprise, though coach JJ Redick made it clear Grimes will start games for the Lakers during the regular season. But the aforementioned lineup could start when the Lakers host the Warriors on Wednesday. Quentin Grimes (#5) will still start games for the Lakers in 2026-27, even if Matisse Thybulle (#27) starts opening night. NBAE via Getty Images“I know that there’s a chance Quentin is gonna have an opportunity to start,” Redick said. “This [lineup] was the original plan we were gonna have for the Sacramento game with Collin [Sexton] out.  And we’ll see, we just wanna get a look on that [on Friday] and we’ll see. But nothing definitive for next week [against the Warriors].”